Support for steel mat and the like structures for use in reinforced concrete



Aug. 29, 1967 w, ERNST 3,338,017

SUPPORT FOR STEEL MAT AND THE LIKE STRUCTURES FOR USE IN REINFORCED CONCRETE Filed Aug. 4, 1964 3 Sheets-Sheet 1' FIG. 7

hws/vrox War/fer- ERNST A 7- TOR IVE) Aug. 29. 1967 SUPPORT Filed Aug. 4. 1964 FOR USE IN RE CCCCCCCCCCCCCC TE 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENIOR Wa/fer ERNST A Tr k/v67 w. ERNST 3,338,017 STEEL MAT AND THE LIKE STRUCTURES Aug. 29, 1967 w. ERNST 3,338,017 SUPPORT FOR STEEL MAT AND THE LIKE STR FOR USE IN REINFORCED CONCRETE UCTURES Filed Aug. 4. 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 WA /W02? War/fer ERNST AT'T'OIQ VEY United States Patent Ofiice 3,338,01 7 Patented Aug. 29, 1967 SUPPORT FOR STEEL MAT AND THE LIKE STRUCTURES FOR USE IN REINFORCED CONCRETE Walter Ernst, Strump Post Osterath, Germany, assignor to Bau-Stahlgewebe G.m.b.H., Dusseldorf-Oberkassel, Germany, a corporation of Germany Filed Aug. 4, 1964, Ser. No. 387,531 14 Claims. (Cl. 52-685) The present invention relates to supporting means for reinforcing steel mats and the like structures for use in reinforced concrete construction, more particularly, floors, roofs and the like structures of relatively small thickness and large extension. In constructions of this type, accuracy in positioning the reinforcing mats or rod elements is essential, inasmuch as any error in the correct position thereof within the concrete body may alter both the character and strength of the structures, as Well as result in various other drawbacks and defects well known.

Furthermore, among other requirements, it is necessary in reinforced concrete constructions that the reinforcing inserts or structures be adequately covered by the concrete in an effort to prevent corrosion and other defects, aside from the requirement that the reinforcing structure or insert maintain its predetermined fixed position or distance from the outer surface of the concrete body, or the walls of the concrete formwork, respectively, as determined by static and other design specifications. This requirement in the case of horizontal plate-like structures (floors, roofs, etc.) applies to both the steel inserts forming the lower reinforcement as well as to the upper or marginal reinforcement of the concrete structures.

In practice, means must, therefore, be provided, to fix and maintain a required distance betweenthe reinforcing structures and the outer surface of the concrete body. Various positioning and spacing means have been proposed in the past to serve both as lower and upper reinforcements, in particular steel mats and the like structures as used in concrete construction work of the general type referred herein.

In order to support the upper reinforcement of a concrete floor, roof and the like structure, supporting or spacing devices have been used in the past with more or less satisfactory results. It is found, however, that none of the known supporting means is fully effective in complying with all the reqirements, especially the prevention of slipping, bending, or distortion of the reinforcing structures, due mainly to the fact that in the known arrangements the mats or other reinforcing structures are in point-to-point contact only with the supporting or spacing devices.

Accordingly, an important object of the present invention is the provision of an improved supporting and spacing element for reinforcing concrete steel mats or the like structures, as well as a combination of such structures and supporting elements, by which the prior and related difficulties and shortcomings are substantially eliminated, and which will enable an accurate positioning and ensure a stable support of the structures, both prior and during the pouring of the concrete.

Among the more specific objects of the invention is the provision of a supporting element of the referred to type which is both simple in construction and design as well as easy and economical to manufacture; which will result in a stable support of the reinforcing mats or the like structures, substantially Without the danger of slipping, bending, or in general displacement from the proper position determined by design specifications or requirements; and which may be attached to the reinforcing mats or the like structures instantly and expeditiously and without the necessity of special tools or skilled labor.

The invention, both as to the foregoing and ancillary objects as well as novel aspects thereof, will be better understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings forming part of this specification and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a supporting and spacing element for concrete reinforcing structures, constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention;

'FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a complete reinforcing mat structure embodied in a concrete floor, roof, or the like, and including the improved spacing and supporting elements according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a View similar to FIG. 1, showing a modification of the supporting element according to the invention; and

FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 are fractional front, side and plan views respectively, showing an improved feature of the supporting and spacing element according to the invention.

Like reference numerals denote like parts in the different views of the drawings.

With the foregoing objects in view, the invention involves generally the provision of a supporting and spacing element for supporting a concrete reinforcing structure, in particular, a steel mat or the like structure, at a predetermined fixed position or distance from the outer surface of the concrete, or supporting surface of a concrete forrnwork, respectively, as well as a combination of such a supporting element or elements with such reinforcing structure, said element comprising essentially a frame-like rectangular, preferably square, base comprising two pairs of parallel rod elements, and side rods connecting each of the corners of said base with a common apex, in such a manner as to provide an inverted pyramidal element or support with said apex adapted for engagement with said surface and with said base being parallel to or coinciding with the place of said mat or the like structure to be supported by or connected to said support.

There is thus ensured, by virtue of the point-like engagement of said apex with the supporting surface and connection of the base of said element or elements to the steel mat or the like structure, a relatively stable support of said structure, substantially without involving the drawbacks and defects inherent in the 'known supporting devices heretofore used in connection with concrete construction work of the type referred to herein.

Advantageously, the pairs of rods forming the base of the supporting element are disposed in different vertical planes in respect to the apex or point-like support of the element, whereby to cause both of the superposed rods of the reinforcing mat or the like to be engaged by the supporting elements, to result in improved stability of the composite structure, as will become further apparent as the followin description proceeds.

According to a simplified and preferred embodiment of the invention the pyramidal supporting element is composed of a pair of V-shaped steel or the like rod elements intersecting one another at the points of the VS with the corners of said base connected each to one of the legs of said elements. Preferably, said legs project beyond the plane of said base for bending around the rods or bars of the mat or the like reinforcing structure to be supported, to firmly secure the supporting elements to said structure.

According to another improved feature of the invention, the apices or bearing points of the pyramidal supporting elements may be 'fitted with preferably removable.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the pyramidal supporting and spacing element comprises a pair of bars or rod elements 2 and bent to a V-shape and arrangedwith the points of the Vs intersecting one another at right angle and being connected at their common apex by a spot weld as at 8. The rectangular and preferably square base of the pyramid is formed by a bar or rod 1 bent in multiple fashion at right angles and formed with offset corners arranged to engage and being connected to upper end portions of the V-shaped rods 2 and 5, respectively. In other words, the bar or rod 1 forms a closed rectangular ring or frame with the pairs of oppositely disposed sides or portions 1 and 1" of the rectangle positioned in different vertical planes, or at diiferent heights in respect to the apex 8 or bearing point of the pyramid. The upper end portions 6 and 7 of the legs of the rod 5 and the end portion 3 of the rod 2 project beyond the base 1 of the pyramid, or plane of the rectangle, while the end 4 opposite to the leg 3 of the rod 2 advantageously terminates at said base, for reasons which will become more apparent as the description proceeds. The different heights I of the base portions or sides 1' and 1" are obtained, in the example shown, by the use of an endless rod or bar 1 bent to a rectangular frame with the corners of the rectangle, in turn, being bent or offset, in the manner shown by the drawing.

The dimensions of the spacing element are adapted for use in connection with a reinforcing mat or the like structure, that is, in such a manner as to cause the corners of the base 1 or the ends 3, 6, and 7 to coincide with the longitudinal and transverse rods 9 and 10, respectively,

' of said mat with the difference between the heights of the sides 1 and 1" from the apex -8 being equal to the difference of the heights of the superposed rods 9 and of the mat to be supported. As a consequence, the longitudinal rods 9 of the single intersection of the mat structure shown in the drawing having a lower position than the transverse rods 10, engage the lower sides 1" of the base 1 of the pyramid, while the transverse rods 10 being at the higher position engage the higher sides or portions 1' of said base, to thereby result in a support of increased stability.

The afore-described shape or construction of the base 1 of the pyramidal supporting element serving as support of the reinforcing mat structure and of the rods 2 and 5 forming the sides of the pyramid enable the projecting end portions 3, 6 and 7 of said rods to be prebent for suspension of the element from said mat structure, in the manner shown in FIG. 4, and to be securely mounted upon said structure by completely bending said end portions about the component rods 9 and 10 of the mat, in the manner shown by FIG. 2.

In order to afford a ready and expeditious insertion or suspension of the supporting elements upon the reinforcing mat structure, it is advisable to provide projecting end portions at three corners only of the base 1, as shown at 3, 6 and 7 in the drawing, and to terminate the fourth end 4 inthe plane of said base, as shown in FIG. 1. As a consequence, the spacing elements may be readily inserted and suspended from the mat structure with one of the projecting end portions engaging both of the rods of said structure at an intersection point thereof and with the remaining projecting end portions each engaging one of the intersecting rods of the structure. Subsequently, the spacing element may be secured by finally bending of the end portions 3, 6 and 7 around the rods 9 and of the mat structure, in the manner shown in FIG. 2 and readily understood.

FIG. 2 shows a section of a reinforced concrete floor including both lower and upper mats or reinforcements,

the latter being supported by means of spacing elements of the type forming the subject of the invention. Mounted directly upon the lower wall 12 of the 'formwork for the reinforced concrete how 14 supported by the wall 13 is a' lower reinforcing mat comprising sets of intersecting steel rods or bars 15 and 16 and being spaced from the Wall of the formwork 12 by means of suitable lower spacing or supporting devices well known and not shown in the drawing for simplicity of illustration. The upper reinforcement or mat structure composed ,of the intersecting rods 9 and 10 is mounted or positioned by the provision of a plurality of supporting or spacing elements 17 constructed in accordance with the invention and being affixed to said structure at suitable intersection points of said structure, in the manner described hereinbefore. As a consequence, the concrete may be poured and allowed to set or cure, substantially without the danger of displacement of the reinforcing inserts, or slipping, bending or distortion of the rods 9 and 10.

FIG. 3 shows a modification of the spacing or supporting element according to FIG. 1. In accordance with the alternative construction, the rectangular ring forming the base of the pyramid or support is composed of two pairs of straight rod elements 18 and 19 in place of the single bent and offset rod of FIG. 1, the rods of one pair (19) being superposed, in the example shown, upon the rods of the other pair (18) and connected in any suitable manner (spot welding, etc.), to form a frame-like rectangular base of the pyramid, in substantially the same manner as shown by FIG. 1. Due to the superposition of the rods 19 upon the rods 18, bending or offsetting at the corners is dispensed with in the embodiment according to FIG. 3, provided the rods 18 and 19 are of the same or corresponding diameter, as the rods 9 and 10, respectively, of the mat structure to be supported.

As will be understood, one of the advantages of the improved spacing or supporting element according to the invention, especially adapted for use in connection with concrete reinforcing mats or the like structures, is due to the fact that the elements may be readily aflixed to the mats, to ensure both accurate positioning, on the one hand, and a secure and stable support, on the other hand, inasmuch as both the mats and supporting elements, upon insertion and securing of the latter, form a more or less rigid or integral structure or unit. Besides, the spacing elements constructed in accordance with the present invention provide the further advantage, compared with known spacing devices and as a result of the point-to-point hearing contact between the apex 8 and the supporting surface, of coinciding with the outer concrete wall or structure at substantially a single point only. If desirable, the lowermost point or apex 8 of the elements may be treated with a suitable rust-preventing agent.

The spacing elements may be fabricated in various sizes and with different heights for use or mounting at the concrete construction site, to suit any existing conditions or requirements. Alternatively, mounting of the spacing elements may be completed at the factory and the mats or the like structure supplied for instant use in connection with standard concrete construction operations, in particular floors, roofs and the like structures.

In a further effort, in accordance with an improved feature of the invention, to afford a more close control or adjustment of the spacing height or position of the elements, the latter may be fitted at the lower point or apex Swith a separate foot or base 20, FIGS. 46, consisting advantageously of a molded plastic or the like synthetic material. The base 20 being advantageously of hemispherical shape and provided with a lower projection or protuberance 21 of height h, may be fitted with four radial slots 22 adapted to receive the rods 2 and 5 of the spacing elements. In order to removably connect the base 20 with said rods, the slots 22 may have a'bayonetlike extension, to enable locking by a slight turn, as indicated by the arrow 23 in FIG. 6. Other equivalent mountof the elements by the concrete in the final poured or set position.

. In the foregoing the invention has been described in reference to a specific illustrative device or structure. It will be evident, however, that variations and modifications,

as Well as the substitution of equivalent parts or elements for those shown herein for illustration, may be made without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than in a restrictive sense.

I claim:

1. In a steel mat structure for use in reinforced concrete construction being comprised of sets of parallel and intersecting rods connected at their intersection points, supporting means to maintain said structure at a predetermined fixed distance from the surface of a concrete formwork comprising a plurality of self-contained spacing elements supporting said structure at different points, each of said elements being comprised of a rectangular base constituted by two pairs of parallel rod elements, four further rod elements connecting each of the corners of said base with a common apex, to provide a pyramidal support with said apex adapted to bear upon said surface and with said base substantially coinciding with the plane of said structure, and means to connect the base of said elements to said structure.

2. In a reinforcing steel mat structure as claimed in claim 1, said last means consisting of extensions of at least three of said further rod elements beyond said base being bent around and secured to the intersecting rods of said structure.

3. In a steel mat structure for use in reinforced concrete construction being comprised of sets of parallel and intersecting component rods connected at their intersection points, supporting means to maintain said structure at a predetermied fixed distance from the surface of a concrete formwork comprising a plurality of selfcontained spacing elements supporting said structure at different points, each of said elements having the form of an inverted pyramid and being constituted by a pair of V-shaped rod elements intersecting one another at the points of the Vs, to provide a supporting apex of said pyramid adapted to bear upon said surface, and a rectangular base comprised of two pairs of parallel rod elements, said base having each of its corners connected to one of the legs of said pyramid and being connected to said structure.

4. In a reinforcing steel mat structure as claimed in claim.3, said pairs of rod elements being disposed in different planes in respect to the apex of said pyramid, to effect engagement thereof with both superposed intersecting component rods of said structure.

5. In a reinforcing steel mat structure as claimed in claim 4, said base being constituted by a rectangular rod being closed upon itself and offset at the corners of and at right angle to the plane of the rectangle.

6. In a reinforcing steel mat structure as claimed in claim 4, said base being constituted by two pairs of intersecting and superposed rod elements connected at their intersection points adjacent to the corners of the rectangle.

7. In a reinforcing steel mat structure as claimed in claim 3, said V-shaped rod elements being connected to one another at the apex of said pyramid.

8. In a reinforcing steel mat structure as claimed in claim 3, the legs of said V-shaped rod elements projecting beyond said base for affixing the supporting element to said structure by bending of the projecting leg portions around the component rods of said structure.

9. In a reinforcing steel mat structure as claimed in claim 3, at least three of the legs of said V-shaped rod elements projecting beyond said base for aflixing the supporting element to said structure by bending of the projecting leg portions around the adjoining component rods of said structure at points coinciding With and spaced, respectively, from an intersection points of said rods.

10. In a reinforcing steel mat structure as claimed in claim 3, including a substantially spherical-shaped base connectable to the apex of said supporting elements.

11. In a reinforcing steel mat structure as claimed in claim 10, said base provided with bayonet-like recesses engaging the leg portions of said V-shaped elements adjacent to the apex of said pyramid.

12. A supporting element for mounting concrete reinforcing structures at a predetermined fixed distance from the surface of a concrete formwork comprising a rectangular base constituted by two pairs of parallel rod elements, four further rod elements connecting each of the corners of said base with a common apex, to provide a pyramidal structure with said apex adapted to bear upon said surface, and means to connect said base to said structure substantially parallel to the plane thereof.

13. In a supporting element as claimed in claim 12, said pairs of parallel rod elements being disposed in different vertical planes in respect to said apex, to effect engagement with both of a pair of superposed intersecting rods of said structure.

14. In a supporting element as claimed in claim 12, including a separate substantially spherical-shaped base connectable to the apex of said element.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,349,868 8/1920 Atterbury 52648 3,245,191 4/1966 Ernst 52686 3,252,263 5/1966 Korf 52686 FOREIGN PATENTS 214,193 3/ 1958 Australia.

189,689 12/1922 Great Britain.

898,810 6/1962 Great Britain. 1,125,627 3/1962 Germany.

FRANK L. ABBOTT, Primary Examiner. J. L, RIDGILL, Assistant Examiner. 

3. IN A STEEL MAT STRUCTURE FOR USE IN REINFORCED CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION BEING COMPRISED OF SETS OF PARALLEL AND INTERSECTING COMPONENT RODS CONNECTED AT THEIR INTERSECTION POINTS, SUPPORTING MEANS TO MAINTAING SAID STRUCTURE AT A PREDETERMINED FIXED DISTANCE FROM THE SURFACE OF A CONCRETE FORMWORK COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF SELF-CONTAINED SPACING ELEMENTS SUPPORTING SAID STRUCTURE AT DIFFERENT POINTS, EACH OF SAID ELEMENTS HAVING THE FORM OF AN INVERTED PYRAMID AND BEING CONSTITUTED BY A PAIR OF V-SHAPED ROD ELEMENTS INTERSECTING ONE ANOTHER AT THE POINTS OF THE V''S, TO PROVIDE A SUPPORTING APEX OF SAID PYRAMID ADAPTED TO BEAR UPON SAID SURFACE, AND A RECTANGULAR BASE COMPRISED OF TWO PAIRS OF PARALLEL ROD ELEMENTS, SAID BASE HAVING EACH OF ITS CORNERS CONNECTED TO ONE OF THE LEGS OF SAID PYRAMID AND BEING CONNECTED TO SAID STRUCTURE. 